ICARS provides funding and technical assistance to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to generate evidence for policy and practice, whilst supporting the development of National Action Plans.
ICARS partners with countries to co-develop research projects that respond to their unique AMR challenges, providing both funding and technical support to advance AMR solutions and the implementation of National Action Plans on AMR. ICARS does this by helping countries to tailor an intervention that responds to a specific AMR problem, so that it is feasible, effective and sustainable.
To ensure long-term impact, ICARS-supported research projects are implemented by local, multidisciplinary project teams led by a research organisation, with engagement of ministries and other relevant stakeholders.
Any LMIC on the DAC (OECD Development Assistance Committee) list is eligible to apply for a funded research partnership with ICARS if they provide a strong government commitment to addressing AMR.
When considering activities and engagement, ICARS will take into account:
See below the framework for ICARS-supported projects and the associated guidelines and templates corresponding to each phase of the application and project development process.
Countries interested in co-developing a project with ICARS should begin by submitting an Expression of Interest (EoI) together with a cover letter from the responsible Ministry (or Ministries). This Ministry will serve as the primary counterpart to initiate the process and will remain a partner to provide leadership in project development, implementation, and subsequent uptake of the solutions identified within the project. Importantly, in developing an EOI the Ministry should start engaging with one or more national research institute, who will be critical implementing partners during research project development and implementation. ICARS will provide support at each stage of this collaborative effort.
Guideline for the Expression of Interest
Expression of Interest Template
Examples of Expression of Interest: human health, animal health, environment, multi-sector
If approved, the Responsible Ministry, the research institute and additional partner begin co-developing the Concept Note with ICARS—a more detailed outline of the proposed research project.
The Responsible Ministry appoints a Lead Research Institution and a Project Coordinator to guide the project development and implementation. At this stage, other relevant national research institutions, universities, and stakeholders should also be engaged to ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach.
Once finalised, the Concept Note is submitted by the Responsible Ministry for review by ICARS.
Upon approval of the Concept Note, ICARS and the Responsible Ministry (or Ministries) sign a Memorandum of Understanding, formalising their commitment to collaborate on one or more implementation projects aimed at sustainably addressing antimicrobial resistance. This also secures Ministry support to support further uptake of successful solutions that emerge from the research project.
Once the Concept Note is approved and the Memorandum of Understanding has been signed, the next step is the co-development of a Project Proposal—a comprehensive document detailing all aspects of the proposed research project. This includes a project proposal, project budget, and a “Toolbox” that includes a logic framework (log frame), risk register and Gantt chart.
Upon submission by the Responsible Ministry, the proposal undergoes a scientific evaluation by ICARS’ Technical Advisory Forum (TAF).
Based on feedback from ICARS and the TAF, the Responsible Ministry and its partners will revise the proposal, with continued support and guidance from ICARS, and submit an amended version.
The final proposal is submitted to the ICARS Executive Management for final approval and grant allocation.
Following the approval of the Project Proposal, the lead research institute leads the implementation of the project, with ongoing advice and support from ICARS.
Throughout implementation, the lead research institution manages the grant from a technical and financial perspective. Its partners including the Responsible Ministry are expected to adhere to ICARS’ guidelines and policies. This includes signing a Partnership Agreement within the first six months of the research project.
